BellaPerdente

Hey everyone, I know I made the right decision. I am still worried about not having health insurance. Question: on the preop diet, does it matter how much you eat? I am following the no carb rule, but my appetite is still big and I am still eating alot. I don't want to mess up any chances of getting the surgery because of a large liver. I will do whatever it takes to have this surgery. What do you guys think? I can't wait to meet some of you guys at the RR!

Thanks for the advice munchkin. I can tell you are a nurse because my SIL told me the same thing about seeing people on her floor who are there because of complications from bypass surgery. I know deep down that I made the right choice. My other problem is...it has been 3 years since my husband died and I am now off of cobra insurance. I HAVE NO HEALTH INSURANCE! So what if something happens and I need some serious follow up care. Let's pray everything turns out ok. Time for a fudgepop....yeah!

Munchin: from the sound of your post, I think you are favoring staying where you are. I think you are so used to your shift and the people you work with that you would probably not be happy. My SIL prefers her night shift (critical care nurse/supervisor). She tried the day shift and didn't like it. BUT it is your decision. I know it is alot to think about. Good luck on your decision. Countdown....6 days!!!!!! A lady came into the store where I work and bought candy and said it would take her a long time to eat it because she had gastric bypass surgery. We got to talking and I told her I was going next week and have lapband surgery. She said her uncle had it in January and only lost 40 lbs. She on the other hand lost over 100. I didn't say much after that but sometimes in the back of my mind, I think I should have chosen that surgery. Anyone else ever feel that way? Are you allowed to have suger-free fudgepops on the pre-op diet?

Hey! On my lapband checklist from Dr. K. it recommended purchasing a book called "The Lap-Band Solution". Has anyone heard of it? It also said to watch EMMI educational program regarding surgery and the office would schedule me. An email would be sent to me with an access code to view????? I haven't received it yet. Just curious!

JillyPoo: I am having my surgery on the 17th. I am getting very excited. I can't believe it is almost here. I had canceled twice because of financial reasons and Dr. K almost would not let me back. However, I promised I would not cancel and I paid a deposit. I have been on this journey for almost a year, jumping from one program to another and now it's here. I would love to be band buddies. We can do this together! Do you live in Denver? Has anyone bought the book that is recommended by Dr. K's office? Was just wondering if it was worth buying. Sunshine: have you searched the internet for low-carb recipes? I found a soup called "Protein Power Soup". I will try to make it today and let you guys know if it is good. I am a recipe freak. I have so many cookbooks, but since I lost my husband, we don't sit down to dinner much anymore. My older girls are never home and don't like trying new stuff like I do. I hope to see some of you at the Red Robin on the 16th!!!! Lisa

Thanks for the list Anita. I know some of the things on there are processed. I did ask at the deli for "real" turkey breast (Sarah Lee) and it is yummy. I called Natalie and asked if I can have the Atkins shake and she said yes and I also could have one piece of fruit a day. Does anyone know which fruit are the lowest carb? Fruit and cottage cheese....yummy. Dee: I did hear of mashed potatoes made with cauliflower. I never tried it. What about that taco salad that was mentioned earlier. Did you use taco seasoning? Does it have added sugar? What about beverages taken on the plane? Thanks everyone.

I am flying to Denver to have the surgery with Dr. Kirshenbaum. He only charges $9950.00. I refinanced my house but I heard that there are several places online that offer medical loans.

Hi everyone, Just been reading lately. I guess i have been feeling like the others preparing for surgery. Am I ready?? I started my pre-op diet two days ago. I am not having a problem finding things to eat but it is hard giving up the bad habits. I am a carb addict and for some reason, I don't feel satisfied without some sort of carb on my plate. I am also having a problem with night time. I am used to having chips and dip or nachos at night. Any snack ideas for this preop diet? One more important question....DO I NEED TO GIVE UP MY REGULAR COFFEE??????? Sunshine: maybe I will see you when I go in for pre-op visit on the 16th. Jillypoo: Your fears are the same as mine. Let us be brave! What did you guys bring with you? Since this is my first real flying experience, can I bring drinks with me to have after surgery? Did anyone try the Special K protein water after surgery? What are the best protein drinks? I know, I know....so many questions. Ok so here's another question. If protein is supposed to make you feel fuller, why am I still hungry on the pre-op diet. I am eating more protein and drinking the Atkins chocolate shake (love it)....still hungry. Ok, this is the last question....is anyone meeting at the Red Robin on the 16th? Lisa

Did your doctor tell you that eating solids this early could damage the band? I had heard that your stomach needs time to heal.

I have never heard of anyone not being on a pre-op diet. Some surgeons have different "diets" to follow, but the main reason for this is to shrink the liver to prepare for surgery. I am on my pre-op diet and my Dr. only requires me to follow the Atkins plan for 10 days. No or very low carbs, no processed foods, etc. I only have to follow the liquid diet one day before surgery. I have been to three different surgeons and all required some sort of pre-op diet. I would look into a new surgeon.

Cammilla: It was nice to hear from you. The reason I am going to Denver is because I am self-pay and it only costs $9950.00. I went to two different at hospitals locally and went to the seminars but when the insurance wouldn't cover it, I came on this site and met some wonderful people that have gone to Dr. Kirshenbaum. I did some research and decided it would be cheaper to fly there. I agree with you with the tests. I had so many tests done. Thank God that insurance did cover that. I will have my surgery next Thursday. I am getting nervous. I hear so many people talking on this site about be able to eat "around" the band and still being hungry. I know that you are supposed to lose slow on this but I get scared. I am spending alot of money. Does your insurance cover this surgery? I wish you luck on your journey. I am here for any advice. The worst test was the psychological test....boring and long. I don't know if you have to follow a six-month diet before insurance will cover this but if you decide to side-step all that, Dr. K doesn't require it. I am currently on my pre-op diet. Dr. K is easy on that too. I pretty much have to go on the Atkins diet for 10 days. Not too bad. Keep in touch, Lisa

I am going to get my fills at UPMC Bariatric Center. They charge $250.00. If you need more info, send me a pm.

Hi everyone, Are you guys going to the Red Robin on the 16th? I will be in town for my surgery. I have my pre-op scheduled for 3:00 on that day. My daughter and I would love to meet everyone. My daughter, Kacie, is 15 years old and I am excited that she can be with me. I am staying at TownPlace suites at the Denver Tech Center. I hope this is a nice area. On the map, it says that the hotel is only 14 minutes away from the hospital. I was wondering if Dr. K would let me leave with my daughter or do I need an adult. If so, maybe, one of you could pick us up and take us back to the hotel? Well, let me know. Mini: I hope everything goes ok with your surgery. I will be thinking about you. Tied: I can't believe men can be so evil. I can only hope that a woman he meets online does the same to him (even worse) so that he might know how it feels. I am sooooo sad for a lady I work with. She lost her son 2 days ago. He was drinking at a friends house and choked on his own vomit and died in his sleep. This was her only child and he was only 19. She was working two jobs to help him through college. He was really smart and had scholarships and graduated with honors. I guess he had a drug and alcohol problem. He was partying at a friends house and MY daughter was there for a short time. She was friends with him and told me she hugged him and was sitting with him that night but he was "so messed up". She is soo upset. I have lost some very important people in my life but I can't imagine losing a child. I have to go to the funeral home tomorrow. I am dreading it. I don't do well at funeral homes (does anyone).

Well guys....I did it!!! I actually made my reservations. I am also mailing the check today to Dr. K's office. There is no turning back now. Also, good news! I figured out a way to take my daughter with me so I will have some company. We are leaving a day earlier, so that we can do some sightseeing. If anyone can recommend some areas to visit on a tight budget, let me know. I am so excited!

Hi everyone, I know this is probably posted somewhere in this thread but I am still going to ask. I am making my airline and hotel arrangements but I need to save money. Does anyone know if the Extended Stay Hotel in LoneTree is ok? The map says it is only 13 minutes away from the hospital.

Tied2bfit: You must be heaven-sent. With all that you have had to endure in your life, you are sooo positive. You are there for other people. I don't know all of your background, but it sounds like a hard life. Who needs a therapist when I have you guys. At least you know EXACTLY how it feels to be in my shoes. Skinny people don't understand. They think you should just do it....no problem!!!! You always seem to hit the nail on the head with your advice. Thank you so much. I hope that you will have the time to pick me up from the hospital the day of my surgery. I know that you will be off from work, so let me know if it is still a possibility. If not, I will ask someone else.

Hey guys, I was sad reading the cancer stories. I just had "anniversaries" a couple of weeks ago. May 27th was my husbands b-day; he would have turned 49 and May 28th would have been our 20th wedding anniversary. June 1 marked three years since his death. What a week! I think my mind was kept busy with my daughters high school graduation to dwell too much. I still can't believe it has been 3 years. A couple of days after my surgery (July 17) will be my mom's one year anniversary of her death. I finally went to her grave (it has been a long time) and I just can't breath when I see her name filled in next to my dad's. My dad died when I was only two and everytime we went to the grave, I never wanted to think about her side. Since we had the stone for so many years, all we had to do was some minor changes and we had "together at last" engraved. My mom never dated after my dad died and she was only 33 years old. Makes me feel guilty for even thinking about a social life again. Mini: so glad to hear about your dad. When you talked about how your dad wouldn't want to accept his fate, it hit home. My husband never wanted to accept his fate either. He was sooo angry most of the time. I am sure his severe pain and knowing his diagnosis made him angry. I wish still to this day, that we could have had heartfelt talks about what he wanted if that day would come, but he never did. He never talked to the kids about their future. I guess I watched too many sappy movies about dying people making videos so their kids would remember them and how much he loved them. He never did. He did tell my brother (he made me leave the room) that he loved me and to take care of me and that he could have his tools!!!!!!!! That's it! He pushed alot of people away during his illness, but I knew the time was getting close because he made me call a couple of people for him to kinda make amends. He still never said a word to me about his feelings. Oh how I would have loved to hear the words. I miss hearing those words. Well enough sad stuff....now on to my mental state right now. I have the surgery scheduled but I am having a hard time making my flight and hotel arrangements. I guess that makes my decision final and that scares me. My eating is sooo out of control right now that I feel I am not mentally ready. Is a person who is addicted to food able to make this band work?????? Food has so much control over me as I am sure most of you know. Does therapy really help you gain control over food? I have had no success with therapist for myself and for my daughter (OCD) for other problems. I don't know if it would help. I think you guys are better for me than a therapist. What are your thoughts?

tied2bfit: thank you so much. I will accept your offer to pick me up from the hospital. I see how much you are there for the people on this site and can't believe what an angel you are. When my date comes closer, we can make some final arrangements. One more question (I think). When I try to book my hotel and flight together on line, I don't get the option to chose Parker for hotel searches???? They only give me the option for Aurora. Is this close to the Crown Center Surgery center? I wonder if I should just book them separately and use the list Natalie gave me??? Any advice!

Hey everyone, a little more advice. Do you think I should be ok to leave the evening of the 18th? I am scheduled for surgery on the 17th; or should I wait one more day? Munchkin, did Dr. K say it was ok to be alone all night or you didn't tell him. I thinking I could have one of you bandsters pick me up from the surgery center and get me settled in and I agree with Munchin that I should be ok to stay alone. I will have a telephone close by to call someone if something serious happens. Someone please let me know if I should stay that extra day. Also did I remember someone saying that I will have to have prescriptions filled and ready for the night? How much money are we talking about. I just trying to figure how much I am going to need. Thanks everyone!!!!

I really appreciate the offer. So you would have to leave at 5:30 in the morning? I think that would be fine. I will let you know. Thank you!!!!!

Well guys I did it!!!! I scheduled my surgery. I almost lost my chance because they did not want to reschedule me because I canceled twice because financing fell through. Dr. K came on the phone and talked to me personally and finally he changed his mind, but I had to make a deposit. My surgery is scheduled for July 17. My problem is that with money tight, I can't afford to take anyone with me. He won't let me go back to the hotel and spend the night alone. He says there is a service available where I can get a "sitter" to stay with me overnight!!! Has anyone heard of this? I feel a little uncomfortable about letting a stranger stay with me. I am excited that I finally made this decision and there is no turning back now.

Thanks guys, I forgot how nice everyone was here!! I think I am going to call tomorrow and schedule the lapband surgery. I really don't want to spend the money because if will drain my savings and I get scared when I don't have any money to fall back on in those hard times. BUT, I feel like if I don't do something now, my health will decline and my weight will keep rising. I am 45 and wasting my life away on the couch. My four-year old is starting to understand why I never feel like getting off the couch to play with him. I have been alone now for three years and I am lonely. Believe me, no one ever gives me a second look. Not that I am looking for a serious relationship but just get out of the house and have fun. If I wait too much longer, I am going to be too old to care. lol Well I will keep you guys posted.

Hi everyone...don't know if you remember me but I was on here around January and February but financing fell through but now I think I am ready but some doctor's feel that if your BMI is over 50, then you should have gastric bypass instead of LapBand. I am not sure which surgery to have. I feel that losing more quickly with gastric bypass is the way to go but I am afraid of the complications. How did you all make your decision?

Princess: Have you ever been tested for Celiac Sprue? It is an intolerlance to gluten. My doctor thought for years it was IBS and found out it has been CS. I am too iron-deficient and you won't be able to get that up if you don't follow a gluten-free diet. I have a hard time with this diet because lets face it...I have a hard time with any diet. The only way I was able to get my Iron levels up was with iron-infusion IV's. This disease can cause so many other problems including joint pain, depression, bowel problems, etc. You can get tested with blood work, but the only way to know for sure is with a test called an endoscopy and from there they can see the small intestines and take a biopsy. As far as you thinking you can diet on your own...most of us who have been overweight all of our lives and food as been our companion through all of life's ups and downs...we can't do it alone. Maybe for awhile but it never lasts. I have been on the fence about this for a long time but I came to realize that life is short and we are in our 40's. Let's do something now so we can start our enjoying life again.

I know that the normal weight loss is 1 to 2 lbs. per week but my question is....if your body is used to eating huge amounts of food (bad food) and then goes to liquids and soft foods and good foods...why wouldn't the weight just fall off. If you are eating alot less calories and exercising why don't you lose faster? I am due to have surgery on March 20 and just wondering. I know that losing slow and steady is best, but I am just curious.:biggrin: